Efforts to save the American burying beetle, a large carrion-eating insect once widespread in North America, have yielded positive results in Nebraska. Numbers of this species, which is listed as threatened, have been observed to increase in the grasslands of the Loess Canyons. Formerly found in 35 states and parts of Canada, the beetle is now restricted to small populations in ten states. Habitat restoration initiatives in Nebraska have been instrumental in addressing this decline.

The study sheds light on population growth.

According to one study Published in Biological Conservation, monitoring data collected from 2007 to 2019 shows a 17 percent increase in beetle populations in loess valleys. A sampling effort by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission involved trapping with laboratory rats. This monitoring has shown an increase in the number of beetles from 168 to 196 in previous years

Identification of preferred habitat and threats

The study highlights the beetle’s dependence on undisturbed grasslands for survival. Models suggest that native grasslands covering at least three-quarters of the landscape significantly increase beetle populations. However, increasing tree cover or converting small portions of these grasslands to agriculture leads to drastic population declines. Moist, tree-free soil is essential for burial and food storage, making encroachment of eastern red pine trees a major concern.

Fire management is the key to success

The resurgence of beetles in loess valleys is reportedly attributed to controlled burning initiated by more than 100 local landowners. This effort, in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and other organizations, has restored the grassland ecosystem by halting the spread of red pine trees. According to Science News, Thomas Walker, a wildlife biologist with the commission, said the measures have created more diverse habitats, which has benefited a variety of wildlife species.

Conservation through cooperation

Caleb Roberts, a research ecologist with the US Geological Survey, told Science reports that such large-scale recoveries are rare for small species. Efforts in Nebraska demonstrate how community-led conservation can have measurable impacts on biodiversity conservation.